Wednesday, April 03, 2024
The Sheep Hear My Voice.
Tuesday, April 02, 2024
A Total Eclipse of the Heart
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Trust Be Like…
A bank is likened to trust. Though there are deposits and withdrawals that happened there, we have to believe that God is the holder of these resources. We hold loosely to that which is not ours because, as a believer in Jesus Christ, we believe that God owns everything.
Today I have a new appreciation for time. Why? Well, we are given an extra 24 hours today, this being leap day. It is a sacred trust that has been given to all of us. Even though it is adjusting the calendar it is nevertheless an opportunity for us to never waste what has been given to us.
I hope that everyone can take advantage of this day, and not make too many withdrawals, but provide deposit into the lives of others more than ourselves.
We could always Google the history of this particular day and find interesting and fascinating nuggets of truth yet, I wanted to share how encouraging it is for me to be part of a team that is strengthening & trust in one another.
Not to sound like an old man, but I am trying to grow and develop even though I’m as old as the Super Bowl, but as young as the Ford Mustang. Each generation defines the strategy for building trust differently. My generation is rather old-school. We believe that trust is earned not given. But this generation today has flipped that idea on his head. While my generation peers skeptically into relationships, young people seem more open and vulnerable. Perhaps naïvely believing that trust is automatic, you have to respect the notion nonetheless. Life passes quickly so plant a tree of which you will not enjoy the shade of.
Trust is so essential for all of us. Communication is a tool that I think will further help us. I believe that trust is given, and not based on merit or earned.
Though tested at times we can believe that someone has our best interest in mind at whatever they are doing.
Stephen M. R. Covey, the son of the famous thinker wrote the book, The Speed of Trust. I read it often as I am reminded of the importance of trust.
Take this quote as an example:
“In a high-trust relationship, you can say the wrong thing, and people will still get your meaning. In a low-trust relationship, you can be very measured, even precise, and they'll still misinterpret you. The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is today.”
See what I mean? Even Stephen Covey, the father, made sure we understood that true leadership is based on the ability to inspire others to do what they don’t have to do.
Trust is a key component of every relationship!
So, God has trusted us to give us this additional day, so make the best use of it! In fact, the day, after mankind was created, God gave a day of rest. Perhaps it could be said that even before we do anything that proves ourselves, God blesses us with a day off.
So extend trust as you can, and especially knowing that God has given us this day. Make the most of it because this particular day will not show up again for another four years.
I love the devotional that my friend Pastor Gene Rohrer shared recently through email.
"Leap day a gift of 24 hours that only comes every four years. Picture a child standing anxiously at the edge of a swimming pool, trying to muster the courage to jump into his father's arms. That child is you.
What leap of faith will you take to show that you trust God? What is holding you back?" (Missy Buchanan)
"You of little faith, why did you doubt?" --Matthew 14:31
- Pastor Gene E. Rohrer
What are three things that you can do today that can provide for somebody else’s tomorrow?
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
What’s In A Name?
This past week I had the opportunity to share The Word with a local church. They sent me the passages of scripture for me to speak from. It wasn’t long before I knew the theme and direction I was to share from.
This blog entry comes as a summary result of those thoughts.
Too often we try to make a name for ourselves The Bible makes it clear that this kind of lifestyle is vanity. The Bible offer an alternative to self-centered living to a life that both receives blessings and those which we can also give!Mark 8:35If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.
Recently, traveling to Florida with our Youth of Christ team I realized how essential it is to have your name match your ID. When I arrived to the airport, I quickly learned that the spelling of my name was wrong. Consequently, it meant that I could not board the plane unless they can figure out a way to correct the error. Who would’ve thought that having a T in your name rather than a D in your name would make a difference? CarTer :: CarDer. I ultimately did get to Florida and back and didn’t have to walk. Names are important!
God wants to bless us! It is in His nature to bless! Abraham made a covenant with God! This agreement means obedience and a journey that provided for his Blessing!
We can also learn from this lesson that God wants to use us to bless others! Abraham made mistakes yet God brought him into a relationship that blessed others. Consider what he did for Ishmael or even his nephew Lot. These were opportunities that helped others! By His own hand (and as a result of God’s blessing) we can see how others received, while unworthy yet God made a way possible!
We have opportunities each and every day to represent the name of Christ and everything we do. Whether at the grocery store or at a restaurant. Perhaps even among friends and family, we can make a difference. We can bless others in the Name of Christ! I love how we can impact the lives of others!
Psalms 22:30-31 reads; Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.
His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything He has done.
Where does your coffee come from? The book tells the stories of local farmers in Columbia, Brazil…. Within this book I am discovering the origins of community :: Where my food comes from. My consumerism must be informed by the original origins of families and communities in far away places.
We have the opportunity to bless others all over the world just by paying attention and knowing where our food comes from.
When it comes to leaving a legacy, not just a blessing, we can consider the impact our lives can make and leave a legacy for others! Like Abraham, we can impact the lives of all who find us faithful. It is an incredible reminder that we need to plant tree of which we will not enjoy the shade of. In Gen. 21, we find that Abraham build an altar to God by planting a tree for generations to benefit! He planted a Tamarisk tree. A tree that takes 400 years to grow!
Those who have been martyred for their faith — so that we can enjoy the freedom of faith yet, we may be asked to sacrifice for the sake of others!
Though we may not be tested in the same way, yet, we have a message to deliver.
The message is that of an amazing grace that we have received through Jesus Christ. As we close this blog let us consider God’s Amazing Grace. Let us thank God for the incredible blessing that is ours that we can give away yet today, and commit to invest into future tomorrows of generations to come!
If interested in the message I shared at Church click this link to listen.
Sunday, February 18, 2024
Fear & Pride
My prayer, “Lord, help me to not operate or proceed in doing anything with fear and pride.” As we surrender to God’s plan we come to learn what He wants and we want to abide with Him. It may be a daily journey but as the Holy Spirit gives lead, we find the Fruit of the Spirit being fulfilled in our spiritual walk. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Today, in my devotions, these two words (fear and pride) popped out at me as if to be glaring right at me. Too often, I can operate through issues that include my work and concern for my family by leading with pride and fear. It these moments I find myself repentant and asking God for His strength!I live the sign I saw at a local church in Huntington that reads, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Wow! That is a great reminder!
I hope you can relate. Spiritual maturity is an ongoing journey for most of us. Those that believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, fully equipped, and develop with him, the journey leads to the destination of holiness.
As I submit to the plan of God, I believe that God will reveal more of Himself to us! What we do is for God’s Glory!
So, take time right now to list all the ways that God is showing you His plan for your life. Also, list the ways that you would like God to work in your life.Also, list any changes that you know that God is wanting to change in you so that you can make an impact for God’s Glory.
Next, spend time in prayer. Ask God to show you more of Himself to you. Ask God to guide you in how He wants you to be.
Finally, thank God for any way that He is using you as well as any way that has used you in the past. Give God Glory for anyway that He is using you!
As for fear and pride, what do you need to submit to God? What scares you? What do you take pride in? Ask God to strengthen your spirit. Ask God to fill you with His presence.
Sunday, February 04, 2024
Listening to God!
Psalms 78:4We will not hide these truths from our children;we will tell the next generationabout the glorious deeds of the LORD,about his power and his mighty wonders.
As I get-to serve Youth for Christ, I get-to tell the story of those serving in the front lines, loving young people in Christ.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants, now at a critical convergence point: A 77-year history of innovative youth ministry; combined with thousands of creative, diverse, and faithful volunteers who are building relationships with kids who need hope.
“The Gospel of Christ is as powerful and as effective as ever. Kids need to know that the God of the universe loves them, that He Cares for them, and that He wants to offer them eternal and abundant life through His son Jesus.
Thursday, February 01, 2024
Turning Away, Turning Towards!
Godly and good are synonymous. Though Jesus indicated that only God is good, yet, as followers of Jesus, we can provide an avenue for goodness. It is a part of the fruit of the Spirit! It is birthed by the Spirit of God! It is what God provides when we become a child of God, through Christ! Those around us benefit by our godly living. Those who come near can be blessed. In fact, the Bible speaks of being a blessing and blessing our children.Psalms 97:10 reads;You who love the LORD, hate evil!He protects the lives of his godly peopleand rescues them from the power of the wicked.
We, as followers of Christ know that we are to be a blessing! We know that it is always welcomed. It is always just on-time if done in the Name of Christ! When we pray, God will lead us in how to bless others!
The ministry to others is the result of what God is doing in our lives! Those who love the Lord turn from evil. As they turn away from evil, they turn towards good. Those that follow after God know how He protects our lives and rescues us!
As we follow God, in Christ, we turn away from evil and toward God!
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Pause.
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Worth: How Much Is One Life?
Fly The Friendly Skies!
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Sentence Prayers!
Have you ever found yourself wanting to pray but unsure how to pray?
We may think that we need to have lofty prayers that use big spiritual words. Perhaps that’s how we have heard others pray. We can feel intimidated, not only in our personal prayer life, but also in public prayer. We may feel inadequate, because we use more common language to pray rather than lofty prayers. Let me encourage you, God loves to hear you pray no matter what words you use.
You may also think that you should recite more scripture in your prayer life This certainly is true, but is that the only way to pray. As we bring our needs and concerns for others before the Lord and prayer, we are interceding on behalf of those needs. We may be seeking something or we are concerned about someone else. Nevertheless, God loves to hear from us, and to share our heart With him. Bible teaches at the Holy Spirit is at work in our prayers.The reason that many pray is because they worry about things that are outside of their control. It’s important that we consider this principle as a motivation for praying. However, this particular style of prayer can be helpful. I like the quote that reads from a local church sign: “Worry is the darkroom where negatives can develop.”
There is a method that I think could be very helpful. Not only removes the intimidating factors, but it also guides us in our prayer life.
It’s not a system as much as it is a practical way to spend time with God in prayer. I found this method helpful in my own life. You may find yourself in a similar mode as me. I am rushing around throughout my day while neglecting a prayer life.
Certainly, there are those habits of prayer that we could always cultivate better. Yet, there is one method that has helped me build consistency in my prayer life and yet it is practical for every day.Sentence prayers is a practical step forward and helps us be more contemplative than goal oriented. It is a practical step that builds consistency.
Sometimes we are tempted to pray long prayers, as if somehow, it is up to us to convince God to act. Feels like work or demonstrates levels of spiritual pride, elevating to a lofty state.
So the simple concept means that we would take a first scripture, or even reciting a prayer like the Lords prayer (Matthew 4), but pause between each sentence to consider its meaning; listen, instead of speaking to God.
We can also use Psalm 23. As an example, we may pray the first sentence, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” By pausing we would consider the position that God has in our life, and that we can have total dependence upon him for everything.
Some choose to journal related to various topics as they recite and pray the one sentence prayer. Take a belief system and break it down by a sentence and consider what God would have us imagine based on that topic.
So, instead of trying to impress God and others, simply learn to listen and wait upon the Lord. Pace your prayer life. Don’t force it or rush through it!
Monday, January 22, 2024
If - Than…
What if? What an interesting expression. IF, can be attached to almost any expression. IF only. What IF? IF not. See more.
It cannot stand alone. It must have a conjunctive like the word, THAN. The word we attach to this word makes up its meaning. It cannot stand alone. As we reach the Bible, we must complete the meaning of the purpose of the Word.It is grace and truth!
It is beginning and end.
It is first and last.
God completes the tension we find IF we only focus on one aspect and not the other. There is good and evil. There is eternal life and eternal death.
Romans 12:6-8
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. IF your gift is serving others, serve them well. IF you are a teacher, teach well. IF your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. IF it is giving, give generously. IF God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And IF you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
The word IF is found in this passage of text. It denotes action. If we have been given something, we have a responsibility to give it away. There is a reason we have been given something not for self alone!
We have been given something so that we may invest it into something beyond ourselves. Gifts are meant to be given away. They are meant to be invested into something beyond ourselves.So, IF you and I are to fulfill God’s plan for our lives, THAN we are being given an opportunity to invest. Our spiritual gifts are for the purpose for which they have been given. Not for self but for God!
Someone used their gifts to introduce you to hope! Someone used their gifts to bring you into a personal relationship with God, in Christ. For me, this is true. Someone took their IF - THAN to love me into God’s Kingdom. IF I have been given something, THAN I can invest into someone else - in spiritual terms!
What IF have you been given? What is your THAN that you need to take action on?God chose to use His Church - you & me - as followers of Jesus to invest the gifts we have for others
Right now, who are two or three people you interact with?
What is the two or three (spiritual) gifts that you can use to invest into their lives?
Take action on your IF’s.
A little humor comes for me the Family Circle cartoon. Like the cartoon, what is your IF — offering advice to a pastor — THAN take action. Ha!
What is your IF? What THAN will you do?